Don't pity SEC just yet despite losses

The Southeastern Conference must carry on without the last two Heisman Trophy winners, 10 first-round draft picks and a coach with two national titles.

Still, it’s hard to count out what Alabama’s Nick Saban calls “the national league of college football” after a five-year reign over college football.

“I just think it’s a very challenging league to play in,” Saban said. “I think it’s very difficult to have that kind of standard of excellence. But with the quality of players, coaches and programs that we have, it would not surprise me if we can continue to at least have someone in a position to have an opportunity to be in the championship game again.”

It might be his Crimson Tide. Or LSU. Maybe Arkansas. And what about South Carolina? Seriously.

First, all four of those would-be contenders must overcome quarterback questions.

Still, the Razorbacks and Gamecocks are no more of a long shot than Auburn was in becoming the fourth SEC team to win it all during the streak. One team that’s not in that conversation: Auburn, which must replace Heisman winner Cam Newton and defensive tackle Nick Fairley &mdash; and 14 other starters.

Notes: James Franklin tries to breathe life into a program without a winning SEC mark since 1982. … Commodores have league-high returning starters. … Smith could face challenge from JUCO transfer Jordan Rodgers, brother of Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers. … Marve is SEC’s active career leader with 306 tackles.

Notes: A new QB &mdash; either AJ McCarron or Phillip Sims &mdash; a loaded defense and a potential Heisman candidate RB. … Alabama used similar formula to win national championship two years ago. … Tide has five preseason first-team All-SEC defenders, led by All-American safety Mark Barron. … Alabama makes its first visit to Penn State since 1989.

Notes: Opens with BCS championship game loser Oregon in Dallas. … Jefferson could become first LSU quarterback to start in four bowl games. He’s working with new coordinator Steve Kragthorpe and behind four returning OL starters. … Transfer QB Zach Mettenberger went through spring practice.

Notes: Relf has MSU’s highest career pass efficiency rating (136.87). … Bulldogs have a solid shot at finishing in the Top 4 in the six-team SEC West for only the second time since 2000 (2007). … Media guide header “This is Our State” shows Bulldogs think they’ve passed Ole Miss.

Notes: Houston Nutt is 10-14 in SEC games at Ole Miss. … Lockett returns from knee injury after NCAA granted sixth year of eligibility and is preseason first-team All-SEC. … P Tyler Campbell’s 46.37-yard average led nation. … David Lee takes over as offensive coordinator.